On Thursday, 24th August 2023, Madam Lilian Baeka, the newly appointed Chief Director of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, led her team on a familiarization visit to Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly,  to foster a deeper connection with staff and gain insights into the operations of the Assembly.

Madam Baeka, an accomplished Planner, commenced her career in the Eastern Region, where she notably led the Planning department at the New Juaben Municipal Assembly. After a decade of impactful service in the Eastern Region, she relocated to Accra, contributing her expertise to the Tema Metropolitan Assembly. During her tenure, she played an instrumental role as part of the pioneering staff in establishing and advancing the Adenta Assembly. In recognition of her dedication, she was appointed to manage the technical and management services directorate at the head office of the Local Government Service.

Her professional journey is further distinguished by her legal qualifications, having been admitted as a Lawyer and solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Ghana. She holds memberships in esteemed bodies such as the Ghana Bar Association, the Institute of Planners, Ghana, and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Practitioners of Ghana. Madam Baeka's experience spans collaborations with international entities, including the World Bank and the European Union

Her exceptional contributions to decentralization in Ghana earned her the prestigious Order of the Volta award, an honour exclusively bestowed by the President of the Republic of Ghana.

Hon. Sandra Owusu-Ahinkorah, the Municipal Chief Executive, in her opening remarks, extended a warm welcome to the Chief Director.  She also expressed her delight at Madam Baeka's rise to the position of Chief Director, applauding her achievements as an inspiration to women.

In her presentation, Madam Lilian Baeka commended the Assembly's commendable sixth-place ranking in the recent assessment. Highlighting this achievement, she announced an upcoming award in recognition of the Assembly’s milestone. She also encouraged the Assembly to strive for greater excellence.

Addressing vital matters, Madam Baeka emphasized the significance of punctuality and disciplined work ethics. She cautioned against lateness and stressed her intention to conduct unannounced attendance checks, with violations leading to severe repercussions. She further disclosed the Regional Minister's directive for the installation of clock-in machines to monitor attendance, which would eventually influence salary payments.

Additionally, Madam Baeka emphasized the timely submission of reports, an integral aspect of diligent work practices which underlined her responsibility to submit timely reports to the head office.

Turning to integrity, she sternly warned against fraudulent practices such as fabricating minutes and reports. Madam Baeka urged the Municipal Chief Executive and Municipal Coordinating Director to offer necessary support and logistics to enhance departmental efficiency and report accuracy. She also emphasized the importance of abstaining from political engagements, as stipulated by the Local Government and Civil Service code of conduct.

In closing, the Municipal Chief Executive expressed gratitude for the Chief Director's visit and thanked the staff for their participation, underscoring their collective contribution to the successful program.

Source: ISD, AWMA